Stitching machine



J. w. BEDARD sTITcHiNG MACHINE Filed Feb.

'om the spools 60 May 2, 1944.

5, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheetf l INVENTOR MMM lmm, ATTORNEY May 2 1944- J. W.BEDARD 2,347,761

STITCHING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 1941 v 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORATTORNEY J. w. BEDARD STITCHING MACHINE May 2, 1944.

Filed Feb. 5, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR /Lfovwg ATTORNEY PatentedMay 2, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STITCHING MACHINE Joseph W.Bedard,` Hoosick Falls, N. Y. Application February 5, 1941, Serial No.377,502

13 Claims.

This invention relates to stitching machines, and especially to thethread-feeding mechanism employed in such machines.

In the operation of such machines, the thread is usually pulled directlyfrom a supply spool through a tensioning device and fed to the stitch-'forming mechanism by means of a so-called ythread take-up device. Ithas long been recognized, however, that this arrangement isunsatisfactory due, primarily, to the fact that when the withdrawal ofthe thread from the spool is abnormally resisted as it is frequently byvirtue of imperfections in the thread or in the manner in which thethread is wound on the spool an imperfect stitch results.l

In accordance with the present invention, the above noted as well asother diiiculties are obviated by providing such machines with meansarranged between the usual tensioning device and the spool and adaptedto withdraw a given quantity of thread from the spool and to store thesame in slack condition for subselquent use in the formation of astitch. To this lend, the machine is equipped with an attach- :mentpresenting an upper thread supply station arranged in proximity to thespool, a lower :thread receiving station arranged adjacent to thetensioning device, an intermediate spring :actuated clamping device andmechanism controlled from the main drive shaft of the machine operatingto transfer alternately rst a given length of thread from the spool tothe upper supply station and then from the upper supply station to thelower receiving station during each machine cycle of operation.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, such mechanism includesa T-shaped rocker arm provided with a pair of laterally projecting pinsor rods-one for drawing the thread from the spool into the upper supplystation and the other for transferring the thread thus drawn from thespool into the lower receiving station. The rocker arm is also providedwith a cam plate for controlling the operation of the clamping device sothat the thread will be held against transfer between the stations as itis drawn from the spool and then freed to permit the transfer of thethread from the supply station to the receiving station from whence itmay be drawn to complete a stitch.

For a more complete description of the present invention reference maybe made tothe accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1l is a side view of the thread-feeding attachmentemployed in thepresent embodiment of the invention showing the positions of the variousparts at one phase of its cycle of operations;

Figure 2 is a perspective View of a thread guide which is employed withthe thread-feeding attachment shown in Figure 1; y

Figure 3 is another side view of the threadfeeding attachment employedin the present embodiment of the invention showing the positions of thevarious parts at another phase of its cycle of operations; Y

Figure 4 is a front view of the thread-feeding attachment, the Viewbeing taken along line 4 4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional line 5 5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modied form of thread guide whichmay be employed; and

Figure 7 is a detailed view of the rock shaft employed to eect theopening and closing of the thread-clamping mechanism.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the thread-feedingmechanism is presented in the form of an attachment that may be appliedto new or used machines of the type that requires three threads tocomplete a stitch, but it is to be understood that it may be employedwith equally favorable results with machines that require the use of-agreater or less number of threads to complete a stitch. In suchmachines, the threads I4 which usually lead directly from supply spoolsI8 are drawn through tensioning devices I9 by means of a take-up cleviceIl and then delivered to the stitch-forming mechanism (not shown). Themanner in which the take-up device Il and the stitch-forming mechanismoperates is well known in the art and a` description thereof is notdeemed necessary other than to say that the operation is eifected by themain drive shaft I6v of the Amachine which view taken along the lmakesone complete rotation during each machine cycle of operation.A Y g Y Theattachment comprises a vertically disposed frame member IS-secured tothemain frame of the machine. VThe frame member I5 is provided with'athread supply station 2| and with a thread Yreceiving station -22located above and below a 'thread clamping device 3.` 'I'he iframemember Iii is also provided with [a foreand-aft T-shaped rocker arm '28`which is pivotally secured ltoi theside facev thereof by a stud 26d.VThe, rockerjarm 2S at its front end, isl provided with a pair* oflaterally disposed. and vertically spaced pinsY 24, 25, behind which thethreads lil leading from the spools i8 are trained. The upper pin 26 isadapted and arranged to be carried into and out of the upper threadsupply station 2| and the lower pin 25 is adapted and arranged to becarried into and out of the lower thread receiving station 22 as the arm26 rocks about its pivotal axis.

At its rear end, the rocker arm 26 is provided with a slot 2l throughwhich projects a pin 28 carried by a vertically disposed operating rod29 at its upper end. The operating rod 29 is slidably mounted in aU-shaped housing 30 (Figure 5) formed in the frame member I5 and closedby a face plate 3| secured thereto by screws 32. The operating rod 29projects downwardlybeyond the housing 3|) and at its lower end it ispivotally connected by a stud 33 to a connecting link 36 at one endthereof. At its other end, the link 34 is loosely mounted on a stud 35carried by a disk 36 secured to the main drive shaft I6, the arrangementof parts being such that as the main drive shaft I6 makes one completerotation during a machine cycle of operation the operating rod 26 movesup and down to rock the arm 26 in opposite directions for limiteddistances e about its pivotal axis.

A cam 31 having a high portion 36 and a low portion 39 is mounted on thestud 26a and it is secured to the rocker arm 26 by means of a screw 46so as to move in unison therewith.

The thread clamping device 23 (as best shown in Figure 5) comprises abushing il and a rod 62, the bushing 4| being threaded through the framemember |5 and forming the stationary part of the clamp and the rod i2being slidably mounted in the bushing 6| and forming the movable part ofthe clamp. At its'outer end, the bushing 4| is provided with a clampingface 43 and at its outer end, the slide rod 42 is provided with a knob44 having a clamping face i5 positioned opposite the clamping face 43.The threads I4 leading from the spools |8 are trained between theclampingv faces 43, 65. When the clamping device 23 is open, that is,when the clamping faces 43, 55 are'apart the threads` are free to traveltherethrough, but when thecla'mping device 23 is closed the threads areheld against transfer. At its inner end, the slide rod 42 rests againstthe rounded upper end of a vertically disposed lever 66 secured at itslower end on the inner end of a rock shaft 4l which projects laterallybeyond the front side face of the frame member l5. A second verticallydisposed ,lever .69 is secured at its lower .end to the outer end of therock shaft 6l. `At its upper end, the second lever 59 is provided with apin5| positioned before the face of the cam 5l. A spring52 positionedabout the slide rod 42 between a collar E13-mounted adjacent the rearend thereof and the bushing 4| tends to Aforce the slide rod 62rearwardly to maintain the clamping device 23 closed and the pin 5| onthe second vertically disposed lever 46 bearing-'against the face'of thecam 3l.

The -frame member is also provided with'a thread Vdrag i6-comprising aplate 62 slidably mounted on Vand adjusting stud' threaded through aclamping face 64 Yformed on the frame member l5 immediately abovetheupper thread supply station 2|. The three threads Vi6 leadingfrom thesupply spools IS'are trained between the plate 62 and the clamping face6d, and a spring 65 positioned abo-ut the stud 63 acts toforcejtheplatetE towards the face 66 and so exert a predetermined dragon the threads as they pass therebetween.

.The upper thread supply station 2| and the lower thread receivingstation 22 are provided with V-shaped members 55, 56 adapted andarranged to guide the thr'eads in xed paths as they travel through thedrag device 6|) and through the clamping device 23. To these ends, themembers 55, 56 are provided at their ends with holes 6| through whichlthe threads l5 are trained and these holes are so spaced and located asto prevent the threads from moving sideways out of the drag device 66and the clamping device 23 as they travel therethrough. Since the numberof threads may vary depending on the sort of stitch desired, the members55, 56 are adapted and arranged to be replaceable so that the number ofholes in the ends thereof will accord with the number of threadsemployed. For example, if three threads are employed, the members attheir ends are provided with three holes (see Figure 2) whereas if fourVthreads are employed, the members at their ends are provided with fourholes (see Figure 6). In addition, since the members 55, 56 arereplaceable, they are also adapted and arranged to be usedinterchangeably to simplify the problems encountered in the manuiactureand assembly thereof. To these ends, the members 55, 56 may be stampedfrom spring steel or thelike and they are provided with prongs 5l whichmay be punched or stamped therefrom and which are adapted to cooperatewith notches 55 formed in the frame member |5 to hold them in position.

In operation, the threads leading from the spools |3 are trained throughthe various parts of the attachment in the manner shown in the drawingsand thence in the usual manner through the tensioning devices |9, thethread take-up device and the stitch-forming mechanisms (not shown).

In describing the operation, let it be assumed that the rod 29 whichoperates the rocker arm 26 is in its lowermost position at the beginningof a cycle of operations (see Figure l). Under these conditions, theupper pin 24 on the rocker arm 26 is loc-ated in the upper supplystation 2i, the clamping device 23 is closed, the lower pin 25 on therocker arm 26 is in its outermost position, and av supply of threadadequate to complete a stitch is stored in slack condition in the lowerreceiving station 22 from whence it is drawn through the tensioningdevices |9 by the thread take-upV il and fed to the stitch-formingmechanism tri-complete a Vstitch during the ensuing cycle'of operations.During this cycle oi operations, `the'mai'n drive shaft i6 makes onecomplete revolution and the operating rod 29 is thus forced upwardly anddownwardly through the medium of the connecting link 3.5 in the man.-ner heretofore explained. As the control rod 29 moves upwardly duringthe first part of the machine cycle of operations, the arm 26 is ,rockedabout its pivotal axis. As the arm 126 rocks about its pivotal axis,'thejhgh part 36 of the `c am k31 mounted thereon is carried in iront oiVthe pin 5| ,on the vertically disposed arm 49 andthe rock shaft il isthus rotated. As the shaft 41 rotates, the other vertical arm '56securedthereto moves forwardly and so forces the slide rod t2 forwardlyagainst the action oi the spring 52 to open the clamping device23 andthus permit the transfer of thread from the uppersupply station 2| tothe lower receiving station u22. Also, as the arm 26 Vrocks about itspiyotalaxis,

the upper pin 24 mounted thereon is carried out of the upper supplystation 2| and the lower pin 25 which isl also mounted thereon iscarried into the lower receiving station 22 to eifect the transfer ofthread from the upper supply station 2| to the lower receiving station22 (see Figure 3) As the operatingrod 29 moves downwardly duringthelatter part of the cycle of operations, the arm 255 is rocked in theopposite direction about its pivotal axis back to its initial position.As the arm 2S thus rocks about its pivotal axis, the low part 39 ofthecam 31 mounted thereon is carried in front of the pin 5| at which timethe spring 52 acts to force the slide rod 42 rearwardly and so close theclamping device 23 to prevent transfer of thread between the twostations 2|, 22. Also, as the arm 26 thus rocks about its pivotal axis,the lower pin is carried out of the lower receiving station 22 and theupper pin 24 is carried into the upper supply station 2|. Inasmuch asthe clamping device 23 is closed during the travel of the upper pin 24into the upper supply station 2| thread is drawn from Ythe spools itithrough the drag device 66 and stored in the upper supply station 2|from whence it may be transferred to the lower receiving station duringthe next cycle of operation. The drag exerted on the threads by thedevice Sil as they pass therethrough is so regulated by adjusting theposition of the stud E3 as to prevent a whipping action from takingplace; otherwise excessive amounts of thread might be drawn from thespools IB and stored in the upper supply station 2| in a tangledcondition.

It is to be noted-that as the lower pin 25 on the rocker arm 26 movesoutwardly after transferring a supply of thread from the upper station2i to the lower station 22, threads are being withdrawn from the lowerstation 22 through the tensioning devices l@ by the take-up device tocomplete the stitch. In addition, it is to be understood that in theformation of a stitch requiring two or more threads more thread may berequired from one of the sources of supply than from another. Underallconditions, however, it is desirable that at the beginning of amachine cycle of operations, the lengths of the threads stored in thelower station be at least sufficient to insure the formati-on of acomplete stitch. To this end, the depth of the lower station 22 and thelength of travel of the lower pin 25 on the rocker arm 26 are soregulated that when the pin 25 is in its rearmost position in the lowerstation 22 the length of the most required thread is in excess of thatneeded to form a stitch by an amount at least equal to the lengthwithdrawn from the lower station 22 after the pin 25 starts its outwardmovement; and so that this condition may be obtained the depth of theupper station 2| and the length of travel of the upper pin 24 on therocker arm 26 are regulated accordingly.

While the present embodiment of the invention, the clamp 23 is closedduring the latter part of a machine cycle of operation to permit thethread to be stored in the upper supply station 2| and then openedduring the early part of the next machine cycle of operation to permitthe transfer of the thread from the upper supply station 2| to the lowerreceiving station 22, other arrangements may be employed depending onthe type of machine in which the invention is incorporated. For example,in certain type machines just the reverse might be desired, that is tosay, the clamp may be closed during the early part of a machine cycle ofoperationto permit the thread to be stored in the upper supply stationand then opened during the latter part of this machine cycle ofoperation to permit the transfer of the thread from the upper supplystation 2| to the lower receiving station 22.

In the accompanying drawings, the invention has been shown merely by wayof example and in preferred form, and obviously many variations andmodifications may be made therein which will still be comprised withinits'spirit. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is notlimited to any specific form or embodiment, except insofar as suchlimitations are specified in the appended claims.

Having thus dened my invention, what claim 1s:

1. An attachment for stitching machines presenting a thread storagesupply station, a thread storage receiving station, and a rocking memberoperable rst in one direction to draw a given length of thread from asource of supply and store the same in said supply station and then inanother direction to transfer the thread from the supply station to thereceiving station and store the same therein.

2. The attachment set forth in claim 1 including a clamping devicearranged between the two stations and operable to prevent the transferof thread between the two stations While the thread is being drawn fromthe source of supply and stored in the supply station.

3. An attachment for stitching machines comprising a frame member havinga thread storage supply station, a thread storage receivingstation, anda rocking member operable from the main drive shaft of the machine andoperable when rotated in one direction to draw a-given length of threadfrom a source of supply and store the same in said supply station andthen when rotated in another direction to transfer the thread from thesupply station into the receiving station and store the same therein.

4. A thread-feeding device for stitching machines presenting a threadstorage supply station adapted to accommodate a length of thread from asupply spool, a thread storage receiving station adapted to accommodatethe thread from the supply station, a rocking member for transferringthe thread from the supply station to the receiving station, and meansfor preventing the transfer of thread between the two stations while anew length is being deposited in the supply station.

5. A thread-feeding device for stitching machines presenting a threadstorage supply station adapted to accommodate a length of thread drawnfrom a supply spool, a thread storage receiving station adapted toaccommodate thread drawn from the supply station, a rocking memberoperable to transfer alternately iirst a length of thread from saidspool to the supply station and then to transfer said thread from thesupply station to the receiving station, and clamping means operable tohold the thread against transfer from the supply station to thereceiving station during the first transfer operation and to release itduring the second transfer operation.

6. In a stitching machine equipped with a thread take-up device and athread supply spool, the combination of a thread-feeding attachmentpresenting a clamping device, a supply station arranged between theclamping device and the spool and adapted for the storage of threadtherein, a receiving station arranged between the clamping device andthe thread takeup device and adapted for the storage of thread therein.and a rocking member operable to transfer alternately first a length ofthread from the spool to the supply station and then to transfer thethread from the supply station to the receiving station.

7. In or for a stitching machine, a thread-feeding device comprising athread storage supply station and a thread storage receiving stationanda rocking member operable during one phase of a machine cycle ofoperation for withdrawing thread from aV supply spool and storing it insaid supply station and operable during another phase of a machine cycleof operation for transferring thread thus stored into the receivingstation for subsequent use in the formation of a stitch.

8. In a stitching machine, the combination oi a thread storage supplystation and a thread storage receiving station, a rocking memberoperable during one machine cycle of operation for withdrawing threadfrom a supply spool and storing it in said supply station and operableduring the next machine cycle of operation for transferring thread thusstored into the receiving station for subsequent use in the formation ofa stitch, and guide members through which said thread passes as ittravels into and out of said stations.

9. In a sewing machine, the combination oi a thread clamp, a threadstorage supply station and a thread storage receiving station located onopposite sides of said clamp, and a rocking member for alternatelymaintaining said clamp closed and for withdrawing thread from a supplyspool and storing the same in said supply station and for thereaftermaintaining said clamp open and transferring a portion of the threadthus stored into the receiving station for subsequent use in theformation ofY a stitch.

i0. In a stitching machine, the combination of a clamping device, athread storage supply station and a thread storage receiving stationlocated on opposite sides of said device, a rocking member foralternately opening and closing said device during a machine cycle ofoperation, and means for withdrawing thread from a sup` ply spool andstoring the same in said supply station when said device is closed andfor transferring a portion of the thread thusl stored into the receivingstation when said device is open 11. In a stitching machine, thecombination of a clamping device, a thread storage supply station and athread storage receiving station located on opposite sides of saiddevice, means for alternately opening and closing said device during amachine cycle of operation, and a rocker arm for withdrawing thread froma supply spool and storing the same in said supply station when saiddevice is closed and for transferring thread thus stored into thereceiving station when said device is open.

12. In a stitching machine, the combination of a clamping device, athreadI storage supply station and a thread storage receiving stationlocated on opposite sides of said device, means for alternately openingand closing said device during a machine cycle of operation, and arocker arm for withdrawing thread from a supply spool and storing thesame in said supply station when said device is closed and fortransferring a portion of the threadv thus stored into the receive ingstation when said device is open, said device actuating means and saidthread withdrawing and transferring means being actuated by a rotatingelement of the machine.

13. In a stitching machine, the combination of a clamping device, athread storage supply station and a thread storage receiving stationlocated on opposite sides of said device, means for closing said deviceduring the latter part of a machine cycle of operation and for openingit during the early part of the next machine cycle of operation, and arocker arm for withdrawing thread from a supply spool during the latterpart of a machine cycle of operation and storing the same in said supplystation while said device is closed and for tranesferring during theearly part of the next machine cycle thread thus stored into thereceiving station while the device isopen.

JOSEPH W. BEDARD.

